Located in the heart of the Mount Vernon section of Baltimore, St. Ignatius Church prides itself on the spiritual, emotional and physical growth of the parish and the surrounding community. The church is enriched with a diverse population of African-American, Filipino, Korean, Chinese, African and Latino members.

In 1852, Archbishop Francis Kendrick asked the Jesuit Provincial to open a college in Baltimore and so Loyola College was born. Classes began on February 22, 1855. Eighteen months later, St. Ignatius Church, soon to be known as the College Church, opened its doors. The church was graced by several paintings by Constantino Brumidi, an artist also known for his work in the rotunda of the United States Capitol.

St. Ignatius offers its parishioners and community ongoing spiritual growth and educational enrichment. Radio Mass of Baltimore broadcasts the parish's 9:30 Mass live each Sunday and provides periodic newsletters for those who are homebound, hospitalized or imprisoned. The church also provides a lecture series and invites Jesuits and other distinguished speakers to the parish for presentations on various topics of interest.

The parish's outreach to the poor includes: overnight retreats and days of recollection for homeless men and women through the Ignatian Spirituality Project; a Justice & Peace Committee, which is chiefly engaged in education and advocacy; and a Loaves & Fishes group that prepares and delivers meals and clothing to the poor and homeless in downtown Baltimore.

An apostolate of St. Ignatius Church and the Baltimore-area Jesuits, the Saint Francis Xavier House is a retreat house located in downtown Baltimore.